don’t want to defend Cerebus, but their actions seem somewhat rational considering what they are – a hedge fund. Their concern, as much as we wanted to believe otherwise, isn’t conservative causes or the 2nd amendment. Their concern is to maximize value for their investors. Announcing the intention to sell Bushmaster now, not only addresses the political complaints of teacher union pension (who are major investors in Cerebus) but it also capitalizes on what should surely be an increase in sales of Bushmaster and correspondingly a significant increase in the price they recieve for it. Stocks may be down today, but with bills seeking to ban guns expected to be announced next month (none of which I can imagine will ever make it through both houses) I would think the timing is right to maximize the return they get for their investment in Bushmaster. And, who ever purchases Bushmaster likely isn’t going to seek to kill the company outright (otherwise, why would they pay good money for it).

Also, don’t forget, Cerebus was in with Obama from the get go and negotiated willingly to sell Chrysler to this corrupt administration.

Countertop, what is rational about divesting an industry which has an average ROI of better than 30%? Even energy doesn’t get that good. Freedom Group, composed of major or controlling interest stakes in US firearms manufacturers, was probably the best sector that Cerberus had going. When you are an investment capital group, it’s all about the ROI. I can’t wait for the inevitable investor lawsuits.

Two things. One, just because they announced plans to sell, doesn’t mean they will actually sell. Second, its got a great ROI, but I assume much of Bushmaster’s business probably comes from military contracts. As everyone knows, there are serious negotiations ongoing about the fiscal cliff and budget sequestration. Military spending is going to take a massive hit. We are going to see a significant force reduction and overall decrease in all military spending. Preparing to sell now (or in reality a few months from now), when the sales are going through the roof and the stock is at an all time high is a smart move if you expect their business to take a significant hit in the future.

They don’t “own it” so much as own most of the shares (controlling interest) and if they sell their shares, someone will be buying them. I might pick up a few hundred, myself. They’re just hosing themselves symbolically. Let them.